Trailer advice (bunk supports)

[OffroadBandito]

Hey there,

Figured some of you might have some experience with replacing your bunks and the support brackets that hold them up. Mine are extremely rusty and large flakes are starting to come off so I know its something I should take care of sooner rather than later. (Also the axle is looking pretty rough as well)

My questions: Is replacing bunk supports difficult? Are they any tips you can suggest for this project? I assume getting the supports in the exact same position is important but figured yall might have some insight.

thanks!

 

[Capt.C.Delany]

I know it's not ideal since it sounds like you want to do it yourself, but I see you are in HB, you should talk to Wayne over at West Coast Trailer. He is a wealth of knowledge.

 

[Reefer]

Be prepared to cut off the old parts: either with a torch or a sawzall. Be prepared to find the lag screws/bolts shot. Be prepared to find the old holes in the sodden wood bunks unusable, so that the bunks will have to be shifted forward or backward a couple of inches, if not replaced. It will turn into a major PITA.

That's after you figure out how to get the boat off so you can work on it.

 

[Mike_I]

Do this.

I know it's not ideal since it sounds like you want to do it yourself, but I see you are in HB, you should talk to Wayne over at West Coast Trailer. He is a wealth of knowledge.

 

[gecsr1]

It's gonna be a lot of work, maybe get an estimate or two, if you never did this stuff before , also there are a few online trailer supply place with good pricing...

 

[Dragon]

Im doing the same thing on my project 20 Skipjack trailer. The trailer it came on is dust, cant believe I got it home without incident. So I found another Decent old rusty trailer that Im fixing so I can at least move it around or take it for work to be done. And get an extra rusty trailer out of my yard. I also have the CC in the avatar in the yard too.

These are sand blasted Pacific galv. brackets, they looked horrendous coverd w/rust. Decided to use them after all. you can see how long (tall) the bunk brackets were for the other boat. It allowed me to cut the the angle off the end drill a hole for bunk bolt and use the slotted hole for some adjustment against the hull /angle. Viola!! Adjustable...

I got this idea after looking into adjustable bolt on bunk brackets. They are pressed metal (not as beefy). And with all the bolts and parts not particularly cheap. But that will be the easiest way to go probably.

Pacific Trailers
E-Trailers

Definitely not the fun part... Good Luck

 

[the doctor]

If it is a Pacific trailer you can call them with the serial
number on the trailer and they can use that information
to build new ones. The angle and lengths can get tricky.
That is how I got replacements for my trailer.

 

[stuman]

If it is a Pacific trailer you can call them with the serial
number on the trailer and they can use that information
to build new ones. The angle and lengths can get tricky.
That is how I got replacements for my trailer.

I did the same. Pacific was great. Covered the bunks with plastic bunk material. Pretty easy installation. 2 or 3 hours

 

[OffroadBandito]

I know it's not ideal since it sounds like you want to do it yourself, but I see you are in HB, you should talk to Wayne over at West Coast Trailer. He is a wealth of knowledge.

Wayne is great! I'm super close to West Coast Trailers, and they have always steered me in the right direction. I will most likely spend some time picking his brain about this as well.

 

[E1 Toro]

What kind of wood do you replace the existing bunks with? I haven't pulled back the carpet yet but Im guessing its oak? Mine are good but the bolts are getting rusty and the brackets need a brushing and paint.

 

[SD2600]

Pressure treated.... get it at any Home Depot or Lowe’s.

 

[ssrmr2]

I did this repair to my trailer years ago while it’s time consuming, if you have a die grinder with a few discs, pressure treated lumber from hd/lowe’s, bunk carpet from here/lowe’s, incomes staples and the parts it can be done in a day at a comfortable pace.

it’s tricky part is getting the boat raised off the trailer. I used a jack, a few hockey pucks and jack stands.

good luck

 

[tunakillerjoe1]

Any ideas on galvinizing paint to protect the metal that is exposed?

 

[SD2600]

Home Depot sells a cold galvanized spray paint.

 

[Arima-bob]

Home Depot sells a cold galvanized spray paint.

Does it work?

 

[plj46]

Does it work?

Not for very long.I properly prepared the parts,sprayed 3 light coats,baked it with a heat gun and then painted it heavy with a spray can.After 3 or 4 trips the rust starts.What can you do other than use stainless which i will do next time.

 

[Arima-bob]

Not for very long.I properly prepared the parts,sprayed 3 light coats,baked it with a heat gun and then painted it heavy with a spray can.After 3 or 4 trips the rust starts.What can you do other than use stainless which i will do next time.

Thanks! I won’t buy it. I’m thinking it’s fine for stuff around the house that might get rained on, but not trailers that get dipped in the salt

 

[plj46]

Thanks! I won’t buy it. I’m thinking it’s fine for stuff around the house that might get rained on, but not trailers that get dipped in the salt

It is definitely better than just paint.

 

[SD2600]

Like plj said. But better than nothing

 

[Mike_I]

If you guys are working on a small area I would use ZRC paint. The ZRC comes in two gray colors but it's the same stuff.
Amazon product
Don't mess with the lite weight spray crap paint, it won't last, not enough zinc.

For larger areas I would use this stuff. It's like sealing the metal with liquid metal, it really works well. The only problem is once you open the can the liquid will solidify within a few days no matter how you seal the can. It's amazing stuff.

Mastercoat Ultimate Permanent Rust Sealer - Mastercoat® & The Master Series Coating Line - No More Rust™

Mastercoat Permanent Rust Sealer is a professional paint over rust application that will stop rust permanently at low prices.

nomorerust.com

 

[rancanfish]

Just about finished with a trailer repaint. Wish I would have seen that Mastercoat before I started.